Merrimack College Outlasts West Chester, 10-8

CLERMONT, Fl. –West Chester could not claw its way out of a five run deficit in the seventh inning to drop a 10-8 decision to Merrimack College in the second game of the PFX Games. In the bottom of the seventh, Madison Kelly (Whitehall, Pa./Whitehall) put the Golden Rams in striking distance by providing a fielder's choice that knocked in teammate Sarah Walasavage (Minersville, Pa. / Minersville). Next up was Sara Ercolani (Downingtown, Pa./Downingtown West), who singled to the pitcher to allow Bri Garber (Willow Street, Pa. / Lampeter-Strasburg) to cross home plate. The Golden Rams (7-4) were threatening as Alyssa Herion (West Grove, Pa./Avon Grove) doubled down the line, narrowing the lead to two. However, the rally would fall short as the team left a pair of runners on-base. Jr., Ashley Flesch (Burke, VA / Lake Braddock) (0-1) suffered the loss for the Golden Rams inside the circle. The junior went 4.1 innings, surrendering six hits and five runs (four of which were earned runs). Four different members of the Golden Rams produced a pair of doubles in the game. Tallying six doubles and three RBIs were the likes of Garber, Herion, and Flesch. Meanwhile, Cat Hammer (Philadelphia, Pa./Archbishop Ryan) went 4-4 including a pair of doubles and an RBI. Between the two games, she went 5-6 with four RBIs. West Chester held a 4-2 heading into the top of the fifth, but the Warriors' (7-1) answered with four runs of their own to reclaim the lead. Afterwards, Merrimack added a pair of runs in the next two innings to prevail. Coach Lokey's squad continues tomorrow with a doubleheader beginning with Pace University at 1 p.m.